When the pandemic hit, the Johnson family created Concord Cucina to raise money for the Edina Meal Fund which supports local families struggling with food insecurities. They devised a menu and purchased supplies to make and sell pizzas, raising $800.00. “That’s how Concord responds when others need help,” says Krista Johnson.
The people that you meet when you’re walking down the street.
This past spring, we asked Edina residents to share with us what it is they love about their respective Edina neighborhoods. Over the past year+ when so many have been through so much, it’s become clearer than ever that people are a priority. So, in this Best of Edina issue, we double down on the reality that in addition to great local amenities, having good neighbors is part of what makes a good life in Edina. Read for yourself …
Resident: Krista Johnson
How long have you lived in Edina?
25 years
Which neighborhood?
Concord
What do you love about your neighborhood?
The location! Easy access to Highway 100 and Crosstown for airport runs, Southdale and Galleria, Jerry’s Foods, Town Hall Station and Patisserie Margo. I am a runner and absolutely love the convenience of so many route options taking me around Rosland Park/Lake Cornelia, through Pamela Park, up to Golf Terrace and Lake Harvey, around the stadium and over the pedestrian bridges over the highway. The people in our neighborhood genuinely care about each other and are wonderful friends!
What types of activities do you (or your family) like to do in your neighborhood?
Besides running, we use Kuhlman Stadium for running stairs and using the track. We play soccer at the multi-purpose field by the water tower. We walk down to Lake Cornelia to the Mooty pickleball courts and play pickleball. We play tennis at the Southview courts. We go sledding down Concord School hill, bike to Lake Harriet or jump on the Edina bike trail system connecting us to many more trails around the metro and state. We snowshoe to Town Hall Station (even during a blizzard) to enjoy some warm food and beverages.
Tell us about a time a neighbor has done something nice for you.
We are traveling frequently and our neighbors watch our porch for deliveries and alert us when they are there and tuck them inside the house for us. They offer their snow blowers (we prefer to use the “better cardio” way and shovel but sometimes cave in to exhaustion with bigger storms). We receive deliveries of homemade cookies and cupcakes for our birthdays and significant events (when vying for a state championship while coaching teams). We offer each other support when losing a family pet. Bake pizzas in outdoor pizza ovens and share. Loan each other garden tools, tarps, ladders, bikes and sports equipment.
Resident: Erin Zosel
How long have you lived in Edina?
8 years
Which neighborhood?
Morningside
What do you love about your neighborhood?
Everything! I love the walkability to the shops and restaurants in the area as well as how close we are to the lakes. I also love the diversity and the strong sense of community.
What types of activities do you (or your family) like to do in your neighborhood?
We love to ice skate and go sledding at Weber park and walk our dogs in the dog park at Minnekahta Vista. And of course, walk or bike around the lakes whenever we can.
Tell us about a time a neighbor has done something nice for you.
It is literally the “can I borrow a cup of sugar” neighborhood. All of my neighbors are always there to help if we need anything. Whether it is shoveling our driveway when we’re out of town or dropping off cookies and goodies during the holidays. Everyone tries to pitch in and help each other whenever we can.
Resident: Brooke A. Moss
How long have you lived in Edina?
I grew up in Edina, left for college and returned as an adult. In spring 2020 we moved to Edina.
Which neighborhood?
Parkwood Knolls
What do you love about your neighborhood?
We love the mature trees, lots of walking options, parks nearby and lots of wildlife!
What types of activities do you (or your family) like to do in your neighborhood?
We enjoy walks around the neighborhood and to Walnut Ridge park for our 2-year-old daughter to run around and play.
Tell us about a time a neighbor has done something nice for you.
We moved to our home during the first weeks of the pandemic and welcomed a new baby in September 2020. It has been a challenging time to meet our new neighbors and we were so touched with the generosity and thoughtfulness they showed dropping treats and gifts when our son was born.
Resident: Abby Barin
How long have you lived in Edina?
8.5 years. I am originally from Edina (EHS grad) and convinced my husband to move back in 2012.
Which neighborhood?
Countryside
What do you love about your neighborhood?
Covid has made us love it even more and taught us more about our neighbors with us home most of the time. Just about every other house has kids, or grandkids so it is easy to find people to play with or grill with. We also love having the “green park” (Countryside Park) so close with ice rinks and the awesome playground for the summer. We have a new pup named Lucy, 1-year-old, and she loves the nature trails at Bredsen and the CandyCane Trail that Colonial Church made this winter where the lights are great at night! The kids have also built some of the best jumps for sledding at the school and made their own nature trail that leads to the pond just below.
Tell us about a time a neighbor has done something nice for you.
When we got back from two weeks away in January, our neighbor had not only done our garbages and brought in our mail, but they had also made a “welcome home” sign with our favorite drinks and treats left on the kitchen table. The best though … Living here has also made summers into what they should be for the kids. Running around the neighborhood, going out on bike rides on the trails or the courses at Bredesen and setting up weekly lemonade stands. The kids know the neighbors that have the best popsicles. Pick-up touch football or kick-the-can happen all the time. And during COVID, it made us adults look forward to five-o’clocks when we could bring our LaCroixs and beers to the middle of the street and commiserate with each other and make plans for safe play the next day!
